Two Displaced By House Fire In Panama

Six Departments Respond; Fight Blaze Into Early Thursday Morning

March 15, 2013

PANAMA - The American Red Cross was assisting two residents displaced by a late-night fire Wednesday in the village of Panama.

Multiple fire departments were summoned to 13 South St., where a neighbor noticed flames coming from the roof of the residence. The fire was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m.

After arriving on scene, firefighters were told a victim was trapped in a second-floor bedroom. A ladder was used to retrieve the victim, who showed signs of smoke inhalation but declined medical treatment according to Vernon Sheldon Jr., Panama fire chief.

Article Photos

A half-dozen fire departments responded late Wednesday for a house fire in the village of Panama on South Street. Firefighters were on scene for nearly four hours battling the blaze.P-J photo by Eric Tichy

A second resident was able to escape the home on their own.

"When we arrived the fire was coming from the roof on the south side of the house," Sheldon said. "There was a victim on the second floor that we removed through the window."

Firefighters from Bear Lake, Lakewood, Clymer, Busti, Ashville and Kiantone assisted in the two-alarm blaze. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office also responded.

Damage largely was contained to the first floor, Sheldon said.

"It was pretty much on the lower level in the kitchen area and in the back room," the fire chief said.

No cause of the fire was available Thursday morning. A code enforcement officer was being notified as well.

Sheldon did not have a dollar estimate on how much damage was caused by the fire. He referred to the fire investigation team, which was still reviewing the scene.

While battling the fire Wednesday night, Panama firefighters were notified of a car driving into Little Brokenstraw Creek. The accident was 2 1/2 miles away from the South Street blaze.

Firefighters responded to the accident. Sheldon said the driver, who has not been identified, was able to get out of the vehicle before first responders arrived.

No further information on the accident was available.

Firefighters were on scene on South Street until 1:47 a.m. Thursday. They returned to the residence a few hours later after it was reported the fire had partially rekindled.